An information processing device may display a first remaining amount object having a first display manner in a case where a remaining amount of colorant in a first cartridge of a first-type printer comprising a tank is greater than zero, displays the first remaining amount object having a second display manner in a case where the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and a remaining amount of colorant in the tank is greater than an unprintable remaining amount, displays a second remaining amount object having a first display manner in a case where a remaining amount of colorant in a second cartridge of a second-type printer is greater than an unprintable remaining amount, and displays the second remaining amount object having a second display manner in a case where the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is the unprintable remaining amount.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for an information processing device, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by a processor of the information processing device, cause the information processing device to: acquire first remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of colorant in a first-type printer from the first-type printer, wherein the first-type printer comprises a first print executing unit and a tank configured to store colorant supplied from a first cartridge to the first print executing unit; acquire second remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of colorant in a second-type printer from the second-type printer different from the first-type printer, wherein the second-type printer comprises a second print executing unit and does not comprise a tank configured to store colorant supplied from a second cartridge to the second print executing unit, and each of the first-type printer and the second-type printer shifts from a printable state to an unprintable state in a case where the remaining amount of colorant in the printer reaches an unprintable remaining amount; and display a remaining amount screen on a display unit of the information processing device using the acquired first remaining amount information and the acquired second remaining amount information, wherein the remaining amount screen includes a first remaining amount object which indicates the remaining amount of colorant in the first-type printer, and a second remaining amount object which indicates the remaining amount of colorant in the second-type printer, wherein the first remaining amount object includes a first cartridge object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge, and a tank object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the tank, the second remaining amount object includes a second cartridge object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge, the first remaining amount object having a first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is greater than zero, the first remaining amount object having a second display manner different from the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is greater than the unprintable remaining amount, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is greater than the unprintable remaining amount, and the second remaining amount object having the second display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is the unprintable remaining amount.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and displaying colorant (e.g., ink or toner) levels in different types of printers. The problem addressed is the need to provide users with a clear, unified view of colorant status across printers with varying architectures, particularly those with and without internal tanks for storing colorant. The system acquires remaining colorant information from two distinct printer types. The first printer type includes a print unit and an internal tank that stores colorant supplied from a cartridge, while the second printer type lacks such a tank and directly uses colorant from a cartridge. Both printers transition from a printable to an unprintable state when colorant levels fall below a critical threshold. The system displays a unified interface showing colorant levels for both printers. For the first printer type, the display includes separate band-shaped indicators for the cartridge and tank, visually distinguishing their respective colorant levels. For the second printer type, a single band-shaped indicator represents the cartridge. The display dynamically adjusts the appearance of these indicators based on colorant status. If the first printer's cartridge is empty but the tank still contains usable colorant, the indicator adopts a distinct visual style to indicate continued printability. Similarly, the second printer's indicator changes when its cartridge reaches the unprintable threshold. This approach ensures users can easily monitor and differentiate between printers with varying colorant management systems.
2. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 1 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a non-blinking state and the tank object being in a non-blinking state, the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a first blinking state of blinking on a first cycle, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the second cartridge object being in a non-blinking state, and the second remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the second cartridge object being in the first blinking state of blinking on the first cycle.
This invention relates to a system for visually indicating the remaining amounts of consumable materials in a printing device, such as ink or toner, using distinct display states to convey different levels of remaining quantity. The problem addressed is the need for clear, intuitive visual feedback to users about the status of consumable materials, particularly when multiple consumables (e.g., cartridges and tanks) are involved. The system displays remaining amount objects for at least two consumables, such as a first cartridge and a tank, and a second cartridge. Each object can be shown in one of two display manners: a first manner indicating a sufficient remaining amount, and a second manner indicating a low remaining amount. In the first display manner, both the first cartridge and the tank are shown in a non-blinking state, indicating adequate supply. In the second display manner, the first cartridge blinks on a first cycle, while the tank remains non-blinking, signaling a low supply in the cartridge. Similarly, the second cartridge is shown non-blinking in the first display manner and blinks on the same first cycle in the second display manner when its supply is low. This consistent blinking pattern ensures users can easily recognize which consumables require attention. The system enhances user awareness of consumable levels without overwhelming them with excessive visual cues.
3. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 2 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the tank object being in a non-blinking state in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is greater than zero.
This invention relates to a system for displaying colorant remaining amounts in a printing device, specifically addressing the challenge of clearly conveying the status of colorant in both a cartridge and a tank when the cartridge is empty but the tank still contains usable colorant. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a display to show a tank object in a non-blinking state when the cartridge's remaining colorant is zero but the tank's remaining colorant is greater than zero. This ensures users can distinguish between an empty cartridge and an available supply in the tank, preventing confusion about print readiness. The display also includes a first remaining amount object that visually represents the colorant status, with the tank object's non-blinking state indicating that colorant is still available for printing despite the cartridge being empty. The system dynamically updates the display based on acquired remaining amount information, ensuring accurate and real-time status updates. This approach improves user experience by providing clear, unambiguous feedback about the printing system's operational state.
4. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 3 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the second display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is the unprintable remaining amount, and the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the tank object being in the first blinking state of blinking on the first cycle in the case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is the unprintable remaining amount.
This invention relates to a system for displaying colorant remaining amounts in a printing device, specifically addressing the challenge of clearly indicating when a cartridge is empty while residual colorant in a connected tank is insufficient for printing. The system monitors the remaining colorant levels in both a cartridge and an associated tank, then dynamically adjusts the visual representation of these levels to convey critical status information. When the cartridge is empty and the tank contains only an unprintable amount of colorant, the system displays a first remaining amount object in a distinct second display manner. This includes a tank object that blinks at a first cycle rate, visually signaling the unprintable state. The blinking tank object ensures users immediately recognize the need to refill or replace the tank, preventing printing interruptions. The system differentiates this state from other low-colorant conditions by using specific display behaviors, such as blinking frequency, to convey precise status information. This approach enhances user awareness of consumable levels and improves operational efficiency by reducing downtime due to unnoticed low-colorant conditions.
5. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 2 , wherein a blinking timing of the first remaining amount object being in the first blinking state and a blinking timing of the second remaining amount object being in the first blinking state synchronize with each other.
This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) system for displaying remaining amounts of resources, such as battery life or storage capacity, in a synchronized blinking state to enhance user awareness. The system addresses the problem of users missing critical low-resource warnings due to inconsistent or unsynchronized visual alerts, which can lead to unexpected device shutdowns or data loss. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a device to display a first remaining amount object and a second remaining amount object. These objects represent different resources or the same resource on different devices. The system transitions these objects into a first blinking state when their respective remaining amounts fall below a predefined threshold. The blinking timings of both objects are synchronized, ensuring that their visual alerts occur simultaneously. This synchronization improves user perception of urgency and reduces the likelihood of overlooking warnings. The system may also include additional features, such as adjusting the blinking frequency or intensity based on the remaining amount or user preferences. The synchronized blinking can be applied to multiple devices or interfaces, ensuring consistent alerts across a user's ecosystem. This approach enhances user experience by providing clear, coordinated warnings for low-resource conditions.
6. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 1 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner does not include a first mark object indicating that a cartridge can be replaced, the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the first mark object, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner does not include the first mark object, and the second remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the first mark object.
This invention relates to a system for displaying remaining amounts of consumable materials, such as ink or toner cartridges, in a printing device. The problem addressed is the need for clear and intuitive visual indicators to inform users when a cartridge is replaceable, ensuring timely maintenance and avoiding disruptions in printing operations. The system presents remaining amount objects on a display, each representing the remaining quantity of a consumable material. These objects can be displayed in two distinct manners: a first display manner for non-replaceable cartridges and a second display manner for replaceable cartridges. The key innovation is the inclusion of a first mark object—a visual indicator—only in the second display manner, signaling that the cartridge can be replaced. Specifically, the first remaining amount object in the first display manner lacks this mark, while the same object in the second display manner includes it. Similarly, the second remaining amount object follows the same pattern: no mark in the first display manner and the mark present in the second display manner. This ensures users can easily distinguish between replaceable and non-replaceable cartridges, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing downtime. The system is implemented via a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, storing instructions executable by a processor to generate these visual indicators dynamically.
7. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 1 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is greater than a first remaining amount, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is greater than a second remaining amount, the first remaining amount object having a third display manner different from both the first display manner and the second display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is equal to or less than the first remaining amount and is greater than zero, and the second remaining amount object having the third display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is equal to or less than the second remaining amount and is greater than the unprintable remaining amount.
This invention relates to a system for visually indicating the remaining colorant levels in multiple cartridges of a printing device. The problem addressed is the need for clear, intuitive visual feedback to users about the status of consumable supplies, particularly colorant levels in cartridges, to avoid unexpected print failures or low-quality output. The system acquires remaining amount information for colorant in at least two cartridges. For each cartridge, the system displays a corresponding remaining amount object with different visual indicators based on the detected colorant levels. If the remaining amount of colorant in a cartridge exceeds a predefined threshold, the object is displayed in a first manner, such as a full or standard visual representation. If the remaining amount falls below the threshold but is still usable (greater than zero), the object is displayed in a third manner, distinct from the first, to signal a low but functional level. The system ensures that users can quickly assess whether cartridges need replacement or monitoring, improving print job management and reducing downtime. The visual distinctions help users differentiate between cartridges with sufficient colorant and those nearing depletion, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 7 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a non-blinking state and the tank object being in a non-blinking state, the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a first blinking state of blinking on a first cycle, the first remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a second blinking state of blinking on a second cycle that is longer than the first cycle, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the second cartridge object being in a non-blinking state, the second remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the second cartridge object being in the first blinking state of blinking on the first cycle, and the second remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the second cartridge object being in the second blinking state of blinking on the second cycle.
This invention relates to a system for visually indicating the remaining amounts of consumable materials in a printing device, such as ink or toner, using distinct display manners to convey different levels of remaining quantity. The problem addressed is the need for clear, intuitive visual feedback to users about the status of consumable materials, particularly when multiple cartridges or tanks are involved. The system displays remaining amount objects for each consumable, where each object includes a cartridge object and a tank object. The display manner of these objects changes based on the remaining amount of the consumable. In a first display manner, both the cartridge and tank objects are in a non-blinking state, indicating a sufficient remaining amount. In a second display manner, the cartridge object blinks at a first cycle, while the tank object remains non-blinking, indicating a lower remaining amount. In a third display manner, the cartridge object blinks at a second, longer cycle, while the tank object remains non-blinking, indicating an even lower remaining amount. The same display logic applies to a second remaining amount object, which represents a different consumable, with its cartridge object transitioning between non-blinking, first-cycle blinking, and second-cycle blinking states as the remaining amount decreases. This progressive visual feedback helps users quickly assess the status of multiple consumables without requiring numerical readings.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 8 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the tank object being in a non-blinking state.
A system for visualizing remaining amounts of consumable resources, such as ink in a printer, uses a graphical user interface to display tank objects representing different consumables. The system dynamically adjusts the visual appearance of these tank objects based on the remaining amount of each consumable. For example, when a consumable reaches a low level, the corresponding tank object may blink to alert the user. The system also includes a first remaining amount object that indicates the remaining amount of a consumable in a non-blinking state, ensuring that the user can distinguish between different levels of urgency. The tank object within this first remaining amount object remains static, providing a clear and unobtrusive indication of the remaining amount. This approach helps users quickly identify which consumables are running low and which are at a safe level, improving usability and reducing the risk of unexpected resource depletion. The system may also include additional visual indicators, such as color changes or numerical displays, to further enhance clarity. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple consumables must be monitored, such as in office or industrial settings.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 7 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner includes neither a first mark object indicating that a cartridge can be replaced nor a second mark object indicating that a remaining amount of colorant in a cartridge is low, the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the first mark object and does not include the second mark object, the first remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the second mark object and does not include the first mark object, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner includes neither the first mark object nor the second mark object, the second remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the first mark object and does not include the second mark object, and the second remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the second mark object and does not include the first mark object.
This invention relates to a system for displaying the remaining amount of colorant in a cartridge, particularly for printing devices. The problem addressed is the need for clear and intuitive visual indicators to inform users about the status of multiple cartridges, including whether they can be replaced or if the remaining colorant is low. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a display to show remaining amount objects for at least two cartridges. Each remaining amount object can be displayed in one of three display manners, each conveying different status information. The first display manner indicates a normal state where the cartridge does not need replacement and has sufficient colorant. The second display manner indicates that the cartridge can be replaced but is not yet low on colorant. The third display manner indicates that the cartridge is low on colorant and should be replaced soon. For the first cartridge, the first display manner shows no marks, the second display manner includes a replaceable mark but no low-colorant mark, and the third display manner includes a low-colorant mark but no replaceable mark. The second cartridge follows the same logic, ensuring consistent and clear status indicators for both cartridges. This approach helps users quickly assess cartridge status without ambiguity.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 1 , wherein from each of a plurality of first-type printers, a piece of the first remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of colorant in the first-type printer is acquired, from each of a plurality of second-type printers, a piece of the second remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of colorant in the second-type printer is acquired, the remaining amount screen is displayed on the display unit by using the acquired plural pieces of the first remaining amount information and the acquired plural pieces of the second remaining amount information, and the remaining amount screen includes a plurality of the first remaining amount objects corresponding to the plurality of first-type printers and a plurality of the second remaining amount objects corresponding to the plurality of second-type printers.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and displaying colorant remaining amounts in a networked printing environment. The problem addressed is the difficulty in efficiently tracking and visualizing ink or toner levels across multiple printers of different types, which is critical for maintenance and supply management. The system acquires remaining amount information from multiple first-type printers and multiple second-type printers. The first-type printers provide first remaining amount information, while the second-type printers provide second remaining amount information. This data is then used to generate a remaining amount screen on a display unit. The screen includes distinct visual objects representing the remaining colorant levels for each printer. Specifically, it displays a plurality of first remaining amount objects corresponding to the first-type printers and a plurality of second remaining amount objects corresponding to the second-type printers. This allows users to quickly assess the status of all printers in a centralized view, facilitating proactive maintenance and supply replenishment. The system ensures compatibility with different printer types by processing their respective remaining amount data formats.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for an information processing device, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by a processor of the information processing device, cause the information processing device to: acquire first remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of colorant in a first-type printer from the first-type printer, wherein the first-type printer comprises a first print executing unit and a tank configured to store colorant supplied from a first cartridge to the first print executing unit; acquire second remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of colorant in a second-type printer from the second-type printer different from the first-type printer, wherein the second-type printer comprises a second print executing unit and does not comprise a tank configured to store colorant supplied from a second cartridge to the second print executing unit, and each of the first-type printer and the second-type printer shifts from a printable state to an unprintable state in a case where the remaining amount of colorant in the printer reaches an unprintable remaining amount; and display a remaining amount screen on a display unit of the information processing device using the acquired first remaining amount information and the acquired second remaining amount information, wherein the remaining amount screen includes a first remaining amount object which indicates the remaining amount of colorant in the first-type printer, and a second remaining amount object which indicates the remaining amount of colorant in the second-type printer, wherein the first remaining amount object includes a first cartridge object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge, and a tank object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the tank, the second remaining amount object includes a second cartridge object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge, the first remaining amount object having a first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is greater than a first remaining amount, the first remaining amount object having a third display manner different from the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is equal to or less than the first remaining amount and is greater than zero, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is greater than a second remaining amount, and the second remaining amount object having the third display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is equal to or less than the second remaining amount and is greater than the unprintable remaining amount.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and displaying colorant (ink or toner) levels in different types of printers. The problem addressed is the need to provide users with a clear, unified view of colorant status across printers with varying architectures, particularly those with and without internal tanks for storing colorant. The system acquires remaining colorant information from two distinct printer types: a first-type printer that includes a print unit and a tank for storing colorant supplied from a cartridge, and a second-type printer that lacks such a tank, relying directly on a cartridge. Both printers transition from a printable to an unprintable state when colorant levels reach a critical threshold. The system displays a unified screen showing colorant levels for both printers, with visual indicators for each. For the first-type printer, the display includes separate band-shaped objects representing the cartridge and tank levels, while the second-type printer shows only a cartridge-level indicator. The display dynamically adjusts the appearance of these indicators based on predefined thresholds: normal levels are shown in one manner, while low but still usable levels are shown differently. This helps users anticipate when cartridge or tank replenishment is needed, ensuring uninterrupted printing operations.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 12 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a non-blinking state and the tank object being in a non-blinking state, the first remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a blinking state of blinking on a predetermined cycle, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the second cartridge object being in a non-blinking state, and the second remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the second cartridge object being in the blinking state of blinking on the predetermined cycle.
This invention relates to a system for visually indicating the remaining amount of consumable materials in a printing device, specifically addressing the need for clear and intuitive status displays to inform users of cartridge and tank levels. The system distinguishes between two types of consumable objects: a first cartridge object and a second cartridge object, each associated with a respective tank object. The remaining amount of consumable material is displayed in different visual states to convey status information. For the first remaining amount object, the first display manner shows both the first cartridge object and the tank object in a non-blinking state, indicating normal operation. The third display manner for the first remaining amount object shows the first cartridge object in a blinking state on a predetermined cycle, signaling a low or critical level. Similarly, the second remaining amount object in the first display manner shows the second cartridge object in a non-blinking state, while the third display manner shows the second cartridge object blinking on the same predetermined cycle. This visual differentiation helps users quickly identify which consumable is nearing depletion, improving maintenance and reducing downtime. The system ensures clear communication of status without requiring complex user interaction.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 12 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner does not include a mark object indicating that a remaining amount of colorant in a cartridge is low, the first remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the mark object, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner does not include the mark object, and the second remaining amount object having the third display manner includes the mark object.
This invention relates to a system for displaying colorant remaining amounts in a printing device, addressing the need for clear and intuitive visual indicators of cartridge status. The system generates a graphical user interface that includes at least two remaining amount objects, each representing the remaining amount of a different colorant in a cartridge. These objects are displayed in different manners to convey distinct statuses. The first and second remaining amount objects can be displayed in a first manner when the remaining amount of colorant is sufficient, a second manner when the amount is critically low, and a third manner when the amount is low but not critically low. The first and second remaining amount objects in the first display manner do not include a mark object indicating a low remaining amount, while the same objects in the third display manner do include the mark object. This ensures users can easily distinguish between sufficient, low, and critically low colorant levels. The system dynamically updates the display based on real-time cartridge data, providing timely alerts to prevent printing interruptions. The invention improves user awareness of cartridge status, reducing downtime and enhancing printing efficiency.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium as in claim 12 , wherein from each of a plurality of first-type printers, a piece of the first remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of colorant in the first-type printer is acquired, from each of a plurality of second-type printers, a piece of the second remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of colorant in the second-type printer is acquired, the remaining amount screen is displayed on the display unit by using the acquired plural pieces of the first remaining amount information and the acquired plural pieces of the second remaining amount information, and the remaining amount screen includes a plurality of the first remaining amount objects corresponding to the plurality of first-type printers and a plurality of the second remaining amount objects corresponding to the plurality of second-type printers.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and displaying colorant (e.g., ink or toner) levels across multiple printers of different types. The problem addressed is the difficulty in efficiently tracking remaining colorant levels in a network with diverse printer models, where each type may require different monitoring methods. The solution involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions to acquire and display colorant remaining amount information from multiple printers. Specifically, the system retrieves first-type printer data (e.g., inkjet) and second-type printer data (e.g., laser) separately, then consolidates this information into a unified display. The display shows distinct visual objects for each printer type, allowing users to quickly assess colorant levels across all devices. The system ensures compatibility with different printer types by handling their respective data formats and protocols, providing a centralized monitoring solution without requiring manual checks on individual printers. This improves maintenance efficiency and reduces downtime by alerting users to low colorant levels before depletion.
16. An information processing device comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer-readable instructions therein, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the information processing device to: acquire first remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of colorant in a first-type printer from the first-type printer, wherein the first-type printer comprises a first print executing unit and a tank configured to store colorant supplied from a first cartridge to the first print executing unit; acquire second remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of colorant in a second-type printer from the second-type printer different from the first-type printer, wherein the second-type printer comprises a second print executing unit and does not comprise a tank configured to store colorant supplied from a second cartridge to the second print executing unit, and each of the first-type printer and the second-type printer shifts from a printable state to an unprintable state in a case where the remaining amount of colorant in the printer reaches an unprintable remaining amount; and display a remaining amount screen on a display unit of the information processing device using the acquired first remaining amount information and the acquired second remaining amount information, wherein the remaining amount screen includes a first remaining amount object which indicates the remaining amount of colorant in the first-type printer, and a second remaining amount object which indicates the remaining amount of colorant in the second-type printer, wherein the first remaining amount object includes a first cartridge object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge, and a tank object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the tank, the second remaining amount object includes a second cartridge object having a band shape which indicates a remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge, the first remaining amount object having a first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is greater than zero, the first remaining amount object having a second display manner different from the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is greater than the unprintable remaining amount, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is greater than the unprintable remaining amount, and the second remaining amount object having the second display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired second remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the second cartridge is the unprintable remaining amount.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and displaying colorant (e.g., ink or toner) levels in different types of printers. The problem addressed is the need for a unified interface to track colorant availability across printers with varying architectures, particularly those with and without internal tanks for storing colorant. The system acquires remaining colorant data from a first-type printer, which includes a print unit and a tank that stores colorant supplied from a cartridge, and a second-type printer, which lacks such a tank and directly uses colorant from a cartridge. Both printers transition from a printable to an unprintable state when colorant levels fall below a threshold. The system displays a consolidated screen showing colorant levels for both printers, with distinct visual representations. For the first-type printer, the display includes separate band-shaped objects for the cartridge and tank, with different visual styles indicating whether the cartridge has colorant or if only the tank remains. For the second-type printer, the display shows a single band-shaped object representing the cartridge, with visual changes indicating whether the colorant level is above or at the unprintable threshold. This allows users to easily monitor and compare colorant status across different printer types.
17. The information processing device as in claim 16 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a non-blinking state and the tank object being in a non-blinking state, the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the first cartridge object being in a first blinking state of blinking on a first cycle, the second remaining amount object having the first display manner includes the second cartridge object being in a non-blinking state, and the second remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the second cartridge object being in the first blinking state of blinking on the first cycle.
This invention relates to an information processing device that visually indicates the remaining amounts of consumable materials, such as ink or toner, in a printing system. The device addresses the challenge of clearly conveying the status of multiple consumable sources, such as cartridges and tanks, to users in a distinguishable manner. The system includes a display that presents remaining amount objects for at least two consumable sources: a first cartridge and a first tank, and a second cartridge. Each remaining amount object can be displayed in either a first or second display manner. In the first display manner, both the first cartridge and the first tank are shown in a non-blinking state, indicating a stable or sufficient remaining amount. In the second display manner, the first cartridge is shown blinking on a first cycle, signaling a low or critical remaining amount. Similarly, the second remaining amount object for the second cartridge can also be displayed in either a non-blinking state (first display manner) or a blinking state (second display manner) on the same first cycle. This blinking behavior ensures that users can quickly identify which consumable sources require attention. The system enhances user awareness of consumable levels by using distinct visual states for different components, reducing the risk of missed alerts.
18. The information processing device as in claim 17 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the tank object being in a non-blinking state in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is greater than zero.
This invention relates to an information processing device for managing and displaying colorant (e.g., ink or toner) levels in a printing system. The system includes a first cartridge and a tank that stores colorant, where the tank can supply colorant to the cartridge. The device acquires remaining amount information for both the cartridge and the tank and displays this information using visual indicators. A key feature is the display of a tank object in a non-blinking state when the cartridge's remaining amount is zero but the tank still contains colorant. This indicates that the tank can supply colorant to the cartridge, avoiding confusion about whether the system is out of colorant entirely. The display also includes a blinking state for the tank object when the tank's remaining amount is low, alerting the user to refill or replace the tank. The system ensures clear, intuitive visual feedback about colorant status, preventing printing interruptions and improving user experience. The invention is particularly useful in printing systems where colorant is transferred from a tank to a cartridge, requiring precise monitoring of both components.
19. The information processing device as in claim 18 , wherein the first remaining amount object having the second display manner is displayed in a case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is the unprintable remaining amount, and the first remaining amount object having the second display manner includes the tank object being in the first blinking state of blinking on the first cycle in the case where the acquired first remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of colorant in the first cartridge is zero and the remaining amount of colorant in the tank is the unprintable remaining amount.
This invention relates to an information processing device for managing colorant levels in a printing system that includes a cartridge and a tank. The problem addressed is the need to clearly indicate when the colorant in the cartridge is depleted but the tank still contains an unprintable remaining amount of colorant, which may not be immediately usable for printing. The device acquires first remaining amount information indicating the colorant levels in both the cartridge and the tank. When the cartridge is empty and the tank contains only an unprintable amount, the device displays a first remaining amount object in a second display manner. This object includes a tank object that blinks on a first cycle to visually alert the user. The blinking state distinguishes this condition from other states, ensuring the user is aware of the unprintable status. The system helps prevent printing interruptions by clearly communicating the need for maintenance or refill actions. The invention improves user awareness of colorant levels and system readiness, enhancing overall printing efficiency.
20. The information processing device as in claim 17 , wherein a blinking timing of the first remaining amount object being in the first blinking state and a blinking timing of the second remaining amount object being in the first blinking state synchronize with each other.
This invention relates to an information processing device that visually displays remaining amounts of resources, such as battery life or storage capacity, using blinking objects. The problem addressed is the lack of synchronized visual feedback when multiple remaining amount indicators are active, which can lead to user confusion or difficulty in interpreting the status of different resources simultaneously. The device includes a display that presents at least two remaining amount objects, each representing a different resource. These objects can enter a first blinking state when the corresponding resource reaches a predetermined threshold, such as a low battery level or near-full storage. The blinking timing of the first remaining amount object and the second remaining amount object, when both are in the first blinking state, are synchronized. This synchronization ensures that the blinking of the two objects occurs in unison, providing a coherent and easily interpretable visual cue to the user. The synchronization may involve aligning the blinking phases or frequencies of the objects, ensuring that they blink at the same time or in a coordinated pattern. This feature helps users quickly assess the status of multiple resources without being distracted by asynchronous blinking, improving usability and reducing cognitive load. The device may also include additional features, such as adjusting the blinking rate or pattern based on the urgency of the remaining amount, further enhancing the clarity of the visual feedback.
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March 24, 2020
February 8, 2022
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